Obviously, price almost always plays a role when cutting an above average player– it sounds as if this case was no different. Quinn stated the decision was strictly due to the financial aspect of the situation.

The third-year GM may just be using coachspeak, but he notably excluded the attitude of Ebron being a factor in the release. Quinn weighed all options and ultimately made his decision in the last hour before Ebron’s contract would hit the 2018 books.

Ebron’s 5th-year rookie option was picked up a year ago knowing full well his general price tag. He was scheduled to make $8.25-million this upcoming season.

Quinn did note that they talked to a lot of teams but potential trades fizzled due to the financial burden Ebron would carry.

Now with the Indianapolis Colts, the 24-year old tight end will play on an incentive-laden two-year deal worth up to $13-million– or $6.5-million a year.

The Lions will depend on newly acquired TE Luke Willson and second-year TE Michael Roberts to fill the void.